It’s finally time. You’ve outgrown the condo that’s served you so well—and saved up enough to secure the house of your dreams. While you may be ready to take this exciting next step, there are a few things to keep in mind as you do. By making sure you’re mentally and financially prepared, you can prevent some of the potential annoyances that go along with moving up.
Here are five things to know about moving from a condo to a house…
1) The change of seasons matters
Living in a condo, much of your home maintenance is taken care of for you. Your leaves are raked, and your grass is cut. When the snow piles up on the roof and front steps, there’s someone there to remove it. It goes without saying that you’ll have to do all of this on your own when you move into a house—but many new homeowners underestimate the amount of work involved.
You’ll want to be especially careful to winterize your property. That means draining your garden hoses and outdoor faucets, having your furnace serviced when need be, and draft-proofing your space (with weatherstripping, for example).
2) You can expect your bills to rise
With some expectations, condos tend to be smaller than houses. Unfortunately, the additional space you’re taking on will mean more than a higher price tag. There will be some other elevated costs to contend with.
The truth is, greater square footage means more space to heat and cool. In most cases, the result will be higher utility bills than you’re used to. Your outdoor space will also need to be tended. From lawn-care items to landscaping equipment, the process can become costly.
3) Be ready for repairs
When you own a unit, you cover some repairs—and your condo corporation is there to tackle others. Your areas of responsibility versus theirs depends on the building, but you don’t have to shoulder it all on your own.
Once you move into a house, it’s a different story. You bear sole responsibility for any necessary fixes—from replacing shower caulking to arranging to have your furnace replaced. To avoid being caught unaware, set aside some funds to take care of these issues as they arise (about 3 to 5 per cent of your home’s purchase price each year, as a rule of thumb).
4) Getting to know the local services is key
If you live in a condo, you’re almost certainly used to having your garbage and recycling whisked away. Perhaps you even have a chute for quick and easy disposal. If ants get inside your building or a raccoon starts raiding the bins out front, your property manager will be there to handle it quickly.
Part of getting the lay of the land once you buy a house is familiarizing yourself with your local garbage, recycling, and organic waste services. You might also want to look into well-reviewed pest control professionals, electricians, and plumbers nearby.
5) You should really get to know your home
Living in a condo means enjoying a low-maintenance lifestyle. Unfortunately, that doesn’t prepare you for what it’s like to own a house. What happens if you blow a fuse or your furnace starts getting sluggish?
While there are times when it makes sense to call in a professional, it’s not always necessary. Knowing your home’s basic setup—including its system and components—is often enough to get you through the smaller hiccups. When you move in, find your electrical boxes and main water shut-off valve. You should also learn how to replace your furnace filter.
Moving from a condo to a house means some added responsibilities, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks if it’s your dream. With just a bit of preparation, you can ensure that your next step is as seamless as possible!
Ready to sell your condo a buy and house? We can help. Get in touch to start benefitting from our expertise for a smooth transition!
